The twisted shadows inside the mall seemed to pulse with menace. Broken storefronts offered few hiding spots, but enough for a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Arjun's boots echoed softly on cracked tiles.
Beside him, Varun's grip on the spear was tighter now, eyes darting toward every shattered shop window, every toppled shelf.
"Listen," Arjun whispered, "we need more than just brute force. Use what you can find — pipe bombs, traps, anything."
Varun nodded, scanning the surroundings with sharp awareness.
System Notification – VarunNew Craftable Weapon Unlocked:– Pipe Bomb • Components: Explosive powder + metal casing + fuse • Damage: Area-effect, high burn chance • Craft Time: 10 minutes (Can be rushed with agility)
In a nearby abandoned hardware store, Varun crouched behind counters, gathering scraps.
Metal pipes, old fuse wire, chemical powder from half-spilled containers — the resources were sparse but enough.
Hands steady, he began assembling his first pipe bomb, the fuse crackling faintly as he sealed it.
His Scrap-Fighter skill improved visibly — faster crafting time, fewer mistakes.
Skill Progress – VarunScrap-Fighter Level 2:– +15% damage with improvised weapons– -8% stamina cost below 30% HP– Craft speed increased by 10%
Meanwhile, Arjun tightened his shotgun's grip, scanning the flickering mall lights.
"The Mall Tyrant's lair is close. Stay sharp."
Suddenly, a ground-shaking roar echoed — deep, guttural, primal.
The Mall Tyrant emerged, a towering behemoth with jagged bone-like armor and eyes burning with otherworldly rage.
Mall Tyrant – Tier 2.0HP: 850Attack Power: ExtremeCoin Yield: 50Status: Aggressive
Arjun fired first, pellets tearing into the beast's shoulder.
The Tyrant roared and charged.
Varun hurled the pipe bomb—explosion! Flames and shrapnel rained down.
The Tyrant staggered, enraged but wounded.
Varun's Scrap-Fighter Skill Improved!Level 3 unlocked:– +20% damage with improvised weapons– -12% stamina cost below 30% HP– Craft speed +20%– Chance to cause bleeding with thrown weapons: 10%
Varun pressed his advantage, spear thrusting and pulling back, dodging claws.
Arjun flanked, blasting with shotgun bursts.
The Mall Tyrant's massive arms swung, smashing pillars and debris.
Arjun activated Pulse Mark again — slow-motion clarity to land precise shots.
Arjun's Skills:
– Police Instinct Level 2: +10% chance to detect hidden weak points
– Pulse Mark Level 2: Duration increased by 5 seconds
– Quick Reload Level 2: Reload speed +30%
Finally, with one coordinated strike — Varun's spear piercing the eye socket, Arjun's shotgun blast into its chest — the Tyrant collapsed, twitching.
Core Drop Confirmed.
As the beast's core pulsed with faint energy, Arjun's system prompted:
Core Exchange Offer:"Exchange the Tyrant's Core for powerful temporary buffs?
Yes: Gain +10 Strength & +10 Endurance for 2 hours.
No: Store Core for future use."
Varun wiped sweat from his brow, breathing heavy.
"Your call, Arjun."
Arjun hesitated, then nodded.
"Let's take the buffs. We'll need all the edge we can get."
Their strength surged.
Two survivors, bound by necessity and trust, ready to face whatever horrors awaited.